VALGUS OSTEOTOMY OF THE HUMERAL NECK - A TECHNIQUE FOR THE TREATMENT OF HUMERUS VARUS

Proximal humerus varus is defined by both its radiographic and clinica l characteristics. Clinically significant humerus varus has a proximal humeral neck-shaft angle less than 140 degrees and causes limited act ive abduction or forward flexion as a result of impingement of the gre ater tuberosity on the acromion. Weakness of the shoulder girdle is of ten present as well. The condition may be congenital, developmental, i diopathic, or posttraumatic in origin. Previous treatments for humerus varus have included acromionectomy and wedge osteotomy with placement of the extremity in a shoulder spica cast. This article describes a t echnique for treatment involving valgus osteomy of the humeral neck an d tension-band fixation. Correction of the deformity allows markedly i mproved function of the extremity with significant increases in active and passive abduction, Forward Flexion, and internal rotation.